Macugen

Macular degeneration

Treatment

2 FDA approvals

3 Active Studies for Macugen

Treatment for

Macular degeneration

What is Macugen

PegaptanibThe Generic name of this drug

Treatment SummaryPegaptanib is a medication used to treat age-related macular degeneration, a common cause of vision loss. The drug works by binding to a protein called VEGF which reduces angiogenesis and vessel permeability. Pegaptanib was approved by the FDA in 2004 and is sold under the brand name Macugen.

Macugenis the brand name

Macugen Overview & Background

Brand Name

Generic Name

First FDA Approval

How many FDA approvals?

Macugen

Pegaptanib

2004

Approved as Treatment by the FDA

Pegaptanib, commonly known as Macugen, is approved by the FDA for 2 uses like Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration (nAMD) and Macular degeneration .

Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration (nAMD)

Helps manage Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration (nAMD)

Macular degeneration

Helps manage Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration (nAMD)

Effectiveness

How Macugen Affects PatientsPegaptanib blocks a protein called vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) which is found on the surface of cells that line blood vessels. VEGF can cause blood vessels to become wider, more permeable and inflamed, which can lead to age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a major cause of blindness. VEGF has also been linked to the breaking down of barriers in the eyes and the development of abnormal blood vessels in the eyes.

How Macugen works in the bodyPegaptanib is a medication used to treat wet age-related macular degeneration. It works by blocking a chemical called VEGF-A, which is responsible for causing inflammation and increasing vascular permeability in the eye. By blocking VEGF-A, Pegaptanib prevents further progression of the condition. It only blocks VEGF165, the form that causes disease, and does not block VEGF121, the form that is necessary for normal functioning.

When to interrupt dosage

The recommended measure of Macugen is contingent upon the identified condition. The amount likewise varies as indicated by the method of delivery (e.g. Injection, solution - Intravitreal or Intravitreal) laid out in the table beneath.

Condition

Dosage

Administration

Macular degeneration

, 0.3 mg, 3.47 mg/mL

, Intravitreal, Solution, Solution - Intravitreal, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravitreal

Warnings

There are 20 known major drug interactions with Macugen.

Common Macugen Drug Interactions

Drug Name

Risk Level

Description

Abicipar Pegol

Minor

The therapeutic efficacy of Abicipar Pegol can be decreased when used in combination with Pegaptanib.

Aclidinium

Minor

Pegaptanib may decrease the excretion rate of Aclidinium which could result in a higher serum level.

Acrivastine

Minor

Pegaptanib may decrease the excretion rate of Acrivastine which could result in a higher serum level.

Albutrepenonacog alfa

Minor

Pegaptanib may decrease the excretion rate of Albutrepenonacog alfa which could result in a higher serum level.

Almasilate

Minor

Pegaptanib may decrease the excretion rate of Almasilate which could result in a higher serum level.

Macugen Toxicity & Overdose RiskIt is unknown if pegaptanib is safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women, or for children. The main side effects are ocular, but headaches and runny nose have also been reported in more than 1% of people who take it. Pegaptanib should not be taken if the patient has an eye or surrounding eye infection.

image of a doctor in a lab doing drug, clinical research

Macugen Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Macugen?

Currently, there are 5 active trials assessing the potential of Macugen in the alleviation of Macular degeneration.

Condition

Clinical Trials

Trial Phases

Macular degeneration

3 Actively Recruiting

Phase 3

Macugen Reviews: What are patients saying about Macugen?

4.3Patient Review

2/9/2010

Macugen for Age-Related Wet Macular Degeneration

I found this treatment to be very effective in stabilizing my MD. I am now hopeful that I can improve my vision with Ocuvite and Zeoxanthin, along with prayer.

image of drug pills surrounding a glass of water symbolizing drug consumption

Patient Q&A Section about macugen

These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.

How is Macugen administered?

"Macugen is a medication used to treat neovascular age-related macular degeneration. It is injected into the eye every six weeks."

Answered by AI

What kind of drug is Macugen?

"Macugen is a prescription medication used to treat neovascular age-related macular degeneration. It may be used alone or with other medications. Macugen belongs to a class of drugs called macular degeneration agents, ophthalmics, and VEGF inhibitors."

Answered by AI

Who makes Macugen?

"Macugen, developed by Eyetech Pharmaceuticals Inc. and Pfizer Inc., has been approved by the FDA following a priority review under the Pilot 1 program based on data from the companies' Phase II/III clinical trials."

Answered by AI

Is Macugen still used?

"Macugen is a medication used to treat wet age-related macular degeneration, but is not as commonly used as other injectable angiogenesis inhibitors."

Answered by AI